The long, warm summer days are ideal for spending time outside splashing in the pool or picnicking in the park, but it’s important to remember to take care of yourself. Over-exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause sunburn or skin cancer. You might not think this is a risk to your dental condition because it doesn’t specifically impact your teeth and gums. However, your lips are also included in your oral health and can be affected.
Continue reading to learn more about why you should safeguard your lips this season and how to go about it!
Why Do My Lips Need Protection from the Sun?
Did you know that skin cancer of the lip is the most common type of mouth cancer? The tissue there is particularly thin. Furthermore, it’s also low in melanin, the pigment that naturally absorbs light to shield the skin. That means your lips are particularly vulnerable to damage from the radiation that comes with the sun’s ultraviolet rays. They can become sunburned or worse unless you take the proper precautions.
How Can I Safeguard My Smile?
Thankfully, there are several proactive measures you can take to ensure that your smile stays happy and healthy during the bright summer months, such as:
Avoid Direct Sunlight
One of the simplest and most effective ways to shield your lips from the sun is to avoid exposing them to it during peak hours of the day. Typically, it’s most intense between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., or 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during daylight savings time. You might want to implement additional protections if you need to be out and about during those hours.
Use SPF Lip Balm
Applying lip balm with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is like wearing sunscreen on your mouth. There are plenty of options with different levels of coverage, so you can find one that suits you. For example, products with SPF 15 filter out about 93% of harmful UVB rays, while SPF 30 filters approximately 97%. Keep them in easy-to-find locations so you can reapply every 2 hours to keep your lips soft and shielded from the sun.
Wear a Hat
If you don’t have lip balm or prefer not to wear it, there are other ways to block excessive sunlight. For instance, wearing a hat, mask, or other protective garb can shelter your grin from too much sunshine. The physical barrier can provide shade or cover your mouth so that your lips are not directly exposed.
Taking a few simple precautions can protect your lips and prevent a potentially dangerous condition from developing!
About the Practice
At Michel Dental, patients benefit from two skilled dentists who work together to offer a wide range of services at two convenient locations. Dr. Michel and Dr. Weber each have 35+ years of experience treating patients of all ages, so there’s no issue too simple or complex for them to handle. They strive to provide a comfortable environment to put you at ease when you walk through the door. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to provide accurate treatment results, all while helping you learn more about your dental health so you can make informed decisions. If you’re concerned about your oral condition, you can request an appointment on the website or call the Topeka office at (785) 273-0801.